Background
Last Update: July 17, 2026
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, since May 1, 2026, many U.S. states are reporting an increased number of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, compared to previous years. On July 16, the CDC announced that an outbreak associated with consumption of lettuce served at Taco Bell stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia has sickened more than 1,644 people. Several other states are not reporting outbreaks but are reporting an increase in the number of cyclosporiasis cases in 2026.
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Served at Taco Bell in 5 States, CDC
Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis, CDC
Cyclosporiasis Cases in Washington
Since May 1, 2026, 38 cyclosporiasis have been reported in Washington. One person was hospitalized and there have been no deaths.
Of the 36 case-patients who could be interviewed, 9 infections were domestically acquired:
- Four cases traveled to Michigan, which is experiencing a large cyclosporiasis outbreak associated with lettuce served at Taco Bell.
- One case traveled to North Carolina which is reporting an increase in cyclosporiasis cases.
- One case traveled to Tennessee which is not reporting an increase in cyclosporiasis cases.
- One case spent time in both Washington and Oregon. Oregon is not reporting an increase in cyclosporiasis cases.
- Two cases did not travel outside Washington State.
The Washington State Department of Health and local health jurisdictions are investigating the 3 cases who were exposed in Washington State and Oregon who are residents of Klickitat (1), Snohomish (1) and King (1) counties to determine what foods they may have had in common.
The majority of cyclosporiasis cases in Washington state (27/36 or 75%) traveled to a country where cyclosporiasis is endemic, with 88.8% (24/27) reporting travel to Mexico.
Washington Cyclosporiasis Case Overview
Total Cases Reported (May 1, 2026 - July 17, 2026): 38
Hospitalized: 1
Died: 0
Among 36 cases who were interviewed about travel:
27 traveled to a country endemic for cyclosporiasis.
9 did not travel outside the U.S.
Among 9 cases with no international travel:
4 traveled to a state with a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
1 traveled to a state reporting increased cyclosporiasis cases.
2 traveled to a state reporting no increased cyclosporiasis cases.
2 did not travel outside Washington.
Advice to Consumers
At this time, we are not seeing a suspected food source or signs of an outbreak in Washington. Continue following routine produce safety practices to reduce your risk of foodborne illnesses. If you would like to take additional precautions while the national investigation continues or if traveling internationally, consider the optional steps below.
If you develop symptoms such as prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, or fatigue, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about any recent travel or foods you have eaten.
Routine Produce Safety
- Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food.
- Keep knives, cutting boards, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces clean.
- Keep fresh produce separate from raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices.
- Refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables promptly.
Additional Precautions (Optional)
- Choose fruits and vegetables with peels or outer leaves that can be removed before eating.
- Cook fresh produce when appropriate.
- Choose canned fruits and vegetables instead of fresh.
International Travel
Cyclosporiasis is endemic (continuously present) in many tropical and subtropical regions where the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite contaminates water and fresh produce. When traveling to these countries, choose produce you can peel yourself, eat thoroughly cooked foods with no fresh garnishes, and drink bottled or treated water if you're unsure about the local water supply.
About Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal cramping, nausea and weight lost. Symptoms typically start about a week after being exposed (range 1-14 days). People infected with cyclosporiasis cannot spread the disease directly to another person and they are unlikely to spread it through handling food.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is endemic (consistently present) in many tropical and subtropical regions, especially those lacking access to toilets and clean water. People get infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, people are most likely to get infected by food and water consumed while traveling to an endemic country. Consumption of raw produce imported from an endemic country is the second most common way people in the U.S. are exposed. Rarely, produce grown in the U.S. has been found to be contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis.
Foods that have caused cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the past include imported raspberries, herbs (such as cilantro and basil), leafy greens, including salad mixes and mesclun lettuce (often included in “Spring Mixes”), and snow peas.
How to Prevent Cyclosporiasis
- If traveling to a developing country, eat produce that has been cooked and drink only bottled water.
- Rinse fresh produce well, especially, berries, herbs and leafy greens.
More Resources
Areas at Risk for Cyclosporiasis, CDC
Reporting
To report a suspected foodborne illness or file a complaint about unsafe food handling practices at an establishment in Washington, use the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS).